Composite Bonder Technician

About the Role

At Northrop Grumman, you will have the opportunity to work on revolutionary systems impacting lives around the world. This role supports the Manufacturing Operations Organization as an Aircraft Composite Bonder Technician, Entry Level and Level 1, at the Palmdale, CA site. The ideal candidate is hands-on with great attention to detail, a focus on quality, and excellent people skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Bond dissimilar materials (composite, metal, or laminate) into semi-finished or finished products.
• Lay out articles and cut parts or materials to size.
• Apply liquid or solid bonding agents.
• Operate autoclave, hydraulic presses, and ovens to complete bonding cycles.
• Control heat, pressure, and timing according to material and bonding agent specifications.
• Sand, burr, and smooth areas, and apply sealing resins to cut or exposed edges.
• Monitor and verify the quality of finished products.
• Complete repairs on composite, metal, or laminate bonded products using inspection and rework instructions.
• Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipment performance, and team effectiveness.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain)
• US Citizenship (required for clearance)
• Ability to work 1st shift (5 AM – 3:30 PM) or 2nd shift (4:12 PM – 2:42 AM)
• Ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work: bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working with arms overhead.
• Ability to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment.
• Ability to pass a medical/respiratory evaluation and obtain necessary respirator clearance.
• Ability to pass a New Hire Physical.
• Basic computer utilization: navigating Windows operating systems, internet use, and executing online training modules.
• Must successfully complete and pass the “ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance”.
• Travel: 10%

Qualifications

Bonder Technician Entry Level

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 3 months of composites experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing, and/or maintenance environment.
• OR AFAB Student with a minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses.
• OR A&P certificate program completion.

Bonder Technician Level 1

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of 9 months of composites experience in an aerospace, military, manufacturing, and/or maintenance environment.
• OR minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion of Aircraft Fabrication courses.
• OR A&P certificate courses completion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with structural subassemblies (e.g., rudders, flaps, stabilizers).
• Fiberglass experience.
• RV/Motorhome work experience.
• Boat Repair experience.
• Completion of A&P certificate program.
• Completion of AFAB Certification (115- Structures, 120- Composites, 110- Blueprints, 130- Ethics).
• Active Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation completed within the last six years.